US9260201B2 - Light for an aircraft - Google Patents

Light for an aircraft Download PDF

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Publication number
US9260201B2
US9260201B2 US13/629,322 US201213629322A US9260201B2 US 9260201 B2 US9260201 B2 US 9260201B2 US 201213629322 A US201213629322 A US 201213629322A US 9260201 B2 US9260201 B2 US 9260201B2
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Prior art keywords
light
light emitting
optical unit
emitting diodes
reflector
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US13/629,322
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English (en)
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US20130077332A1 (en
Inventor
Andre Hessling
Martin Griesbach
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Goodrich Lighting Systems GmbH and Co KG
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Goodrich Lighting Systems GmbH and Co KG
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Assigned to GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH reassignment GOODRICH LIGHTING SYSTEMS GMBH ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GRIESBACH, MARTIN, HESSLING, ANDRE
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
    • B64D47/02—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
    • B64D47/06—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices for indicating aircraft presence
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F21V13/02—Combinations of only two kinds of elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F21V13/02—Combinations of only two kinds of elements
    • F21V13/04—Combinations of only two kinds of elements the elements being reflectors and refractors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
    • F21V5/046—Refractors for light sources of lens shape the lens having a rotationally symmetrical shape about an axis for transmitting light in a direction mainly perpendicular to this axis, e.g. ring or annular lens with light source disposed inside the ring
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/0008—Reflectors for light sources providing for indirect lighting
    • F21V7/0016—Reflectors for light sources providing for indirect lighting on lighting devices that also provide for direct lighting, e.g. by means of independent light sources, by splitting of the light beam, by switching between both lighting modes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/0025—Combination of two or more reflectors for a single light source
    • F21V7/0033—Combination of two or more reflectors for a single light source with successive reflections from one reflector to the next or following
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/0058—Reflectors for light sources adapted to cooperate with light sources of shapes different from point-like or linear, e.g. circular light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/04—Optical design
    • F21V7/08—Optical design with elliptical curvature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D2203/00—Aircraft or airfield lights using LEDs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D47/00—Equipment not otherwise provided for
    • B64D47/02—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices
    • B64D47/04—Arrangements or adaptations of signal or lighting devices the lighting devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead
    • F21Y2101/02—
    • F21Y2103/022—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2103/00—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes
    • F21Y2103/30—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes curved
    • F21Y2103/33—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes curved annular
    • F21Y2113/02—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
    • F21Y2113/20—Combination of light sources of different form
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a light for an aircraft and, in particular, to an external light for an aircraft. While the present invention can be used primarily for each type of aircraft light, preferably the present invention is for a head light; taxi light, and runway turn-off light of an aircraft.
  • LED-based aircraft lights for different purposes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,618, U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,030, US-A-2007/0164875, WO-A-2009/156349, EP-B-1 217 663, EP-B-1 264 767, EP-B-1 552 983, EP-B-1 836 437, and GB-B-2,350,176.
  • a reflector emitter for a strong light beam using a plurality of lower-power lamps revolution-ellipsoid sections are formed from revolution ellipsoids which are additionally cut in the focal-point plane.
  • the sectional planes of all the mirrors are arranged in one common base plane and the mirror surface f the further concave mirror is directed in the direction opposite the others.
  • the light sources are arranged in the first focal points of the revolution-ellipsoid sections and their second focal points and the focal point of the further concave mirror coincide. All the light beams which are incident on the surface of the revolution-ellipsoid sections are reflected onto the further concave mirror.
  • the light beams form a shaped bundle which leaves the reflector emitter at right angles to the base plane through the aperture.
  • a folded light path LED array collimation optic which relates to a compact optical assembly which improves collimation of light produced by multiple LED light sources in a light engine.
  • a shaped primary reflector located over the light engine reflects the light toward a larger shaped secondary reflector.
  • the shapes of the reflectors are selected to cooperatively produce a highly collimated light beam.
  • Color mixing may be improved by providing a plurality of facets on the reflective surfaces of at least one of the primary reflector or the secondary reflector.
  • the present invention provides a light for an aircraft, comprising
  • a holder for carrying a first group of a plurality of first light emitting diodes arranged along a curvilinear line and comprising light emitting sites for emitting light in a direction away from the curvilinear line,
  • a first optical unit of a reflective type comprising a first reflector extending around the holder for reflecting light emitted from the first light emitting diodes and defining an optical axis of the first optical unit
  • the first reflector comprises an elliptic reflective partial surface defining (i) a plurality of first focal points forming a first curvilinear focal line extending along the light emitting sites of the first light emitting diodes, and (ii) a plurality of second focal points, wherein at least a portion of the elliptic reflective partial surface is arranged so as to face towards the first light emitting diodes,
  • a second optical unit of a reflective and/or refractive type for emitting light received from the first optical unit into a predetermined area
  • the second optical unit comprises a single further focal point or a plurality of further focal points forming a further curvilinear focal line
  • the second light emitting diodes emit light bypassing the second focal point or points of the first reflector of the first optical unit.
  • the aircraft light according to the present invention comprises two optical units, namely a reflective type first optical unit and a second optical unit which can be of a reflective and/or refractive type.
  • the first optical unit comprises two focal points or focal lines.
  • the first optical unit comprises a first reflector having at least in part an elliptic reflective surface.
  • the elliptic reflective partial surface of the first reflector surrounds a holder carrying a plurality of first light emitting diodes (LED) arranged along a curvilinear line, and, in particular, a circumferential portion of the holder facing away from the holder. Accordingly, the light emitting diodes emit their light in a direction away from the curvilinear line, i.e. radially and/or axially.
  • Each first LED comprises a light emitting site (namely e.g. a pn junction) which emits the light of the first LED.
  • each section of the first reflector defines a first and a second focal point located on the primary chord, i.e. the major axis of the ellipse. Accordingly, the first reflector defines a plurality of first and second focal points with the first focal points, forming a first curvilinear focal line extending along the light emitting sites of the first LED. In other words, the light emitting sites are arranged in the first focal points.
  • the elliptic reflective partial surface is oriented such that the second focal points of the first reflector coincide so as to form a single second focal point or are arranged along a curvilinear line forming a second focal line.
  • each pair of a first and a second focal point is associated to a light emitting site of a first LED.
  • the light emitting site coincides with the first focal point of an elliptic reflective partial surface section of the first reflector.
  • the partial ellipse belonging to the elliptic reflective partial surface defines a second focal point which is associated to the respective light emitting site.
  • the light emitting sites and the associated respective second focal points are located on the chords of the ellipses wherein all the chords may intersect in a common and single second focal point.
  • chords of the ellipses can intersect at sites between the respective two focal points associated to the chords or the chords can be oriented such that they do not intersect each other.
  • the second focal points define a curvilinear focal line.
  • the curvilinear lines mentioned before are of a circular shape, which means that the first reflector is rotationally symmetric.
  • the first optical unit defines a light emitting opening or interface to the second optical unit.
  • the second optical unit normally comprises a single focal point but can also comprise additional further focal points.
  • the second optical unit can be of the reflective type or of the refractive type or can be a combination of both so as to include reflective optical elements as well as refractive optical elements.
  • the second optical unit may comprise a reflector (elliptic, parabolic, spheric, concave or convex) or a lens (collimating or diverging lens) or can comprise both types of these elements.
  • the aircraft light is provided with a second group of a plurality of second LEDs.
  • These second LEDs serve for emitting light which in combination with the optical features of the first and second optical units can be used for illuminating areas adjacent to the desired area which is illuminated by the first LEDs.
  • the second group of the second LEDs is located within at least one section which is displaced with respect to the first LEDs in the direction of the extension of the optical axis of the first optical unit. This means that light from the second LEDs bypass the second focal point or points of the first reflector in front of or behind or laterally of the second focal point when viewed from the first focal point and along the optical axis of the first optical unit.
  • the two sections are preferably located diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the optical axis of the first optical unit. Due to this arrangement the additional light emitted from the second LEDs can create illuminated areas at diametrically opposite sides of the desired area illuminated by the first LEDs. Therefore, while the first LEDs highly concentrated illuminate the desired area, the area to be illuminated in a different light functionality can be widened by the light of the second LEDS. For example, this helps to adapt the aircraft light to fulfill several light functionalities.
  • the first LEDs serve for generating the head light functionality e.g. landing light or take-off functionality.
  • a taxi light functionality can be realized by both the first and second LEDs.
  • the aircraft light may comprise a third group of third LEDs which are arranged displaced with respect to the first LEDs in a direction according to the extension of the optical axis and with respect to the second LEDs in a direction according to the extension of the curvilinear line along which the first LEDs are arranged.
  • light from the third LEDs also bypass the second focal point or points of the first optical unit and serve for illuminating other areas adjacent to the desired area illuminated by the first LEDs. Accordingly, further light functionalities can be included and realized in the aircraft light according to the invention.
  • the main idea on which the invention is based is the design of the first optical unit as an elliptical reflector of rotational shape.
  • the first focal points of the elliptic partial surface sections are located in the first LED optical center positions (i.e. in or adjacent to the light emitting sites, i.e. for example in the pn junctions) and the second focal points of the elliptical reflector act also as focal points or focal points for the second optical unit.
  • the second optical unit preferably is provided as a parabolic or also elliptic reflector, a free-form reflector or a collimating or diverging lens. A fairly large distance between the LEDs and the second optical unit allows for a highly focused imaging optics.
  • the maximum average distance between the first LEDs and the second focal points of the first reflector can be achieved according to the invention by means of an ellipsoid which is tilted out of the vertical orientation and which in the tilted position is rotated around the vertical axis so as to form a very unique rotationally symmetrical hollow shape defining at its inner surface at least in part an elliptic reflective surface.
  • the ring-like structure allows for a very high number of first LEDs which can be used and which could be of different type and color, creating a high light flux, with all of the first LEDs creating a collimating beam on an axis if desired. This allows for variable colors of the light with the projected images all being in the identical target area—or maximum intensity when all first LEDs are switched on.
  • first LEDs of different types can be employed in the future.
  • very small light output contours i.e. of a beacon light protruding from an air frame could be possible, which results in the reduction of any aerodynamic drag. Reading lights as well as all sorts of head lamps as well as beacon lights are feasible and can be designed based on the concept of the present invention.
  • the first reflector further comprises a spheric reflective partial surface adjacent the elliptic reflective partial surface.
  • the spheric reflective surface portion is arranged underneath the holder for the first LEDs.
  • the center of the spheric reflective partial surface is identical to the first focal line of the first reflector, i.e. identical to the curvilinear line along which the first LEDs and more specifically the light emitting sites of the first LEDs are arranged.
  • the spheric reflective partial surface starts at the intersection of the chord of the ellipse with the ellipse defined by the elliptic reflective partial surface.
  • Designing this area of the first reflector spherically results in retro-reflecting light emitted from the first LEDs back to the LEDs and from there via the elliptic reflective surface towards the second focal points of the first reflector.
  • the holder carrying the first LEDs would block any light emitted by the first LEDs and reflected by that portion of the elliptic reflective surface. Therefore, designing this part of the first reflector as a spheric reflective surface results in obtaining more light being directed in the desired direction and light distribution area and, accordingly, increasing the overall efficiency of the light.
  • the first optical unit comprises a light exiting opening defined by an edge of the elliptic reflective partial surface wherein the first LEDs are arranged away from the opening as well as between the opening and the spheric reflective partial surface.
  • the plurality of the second focal points of the first optical unit coincide so as to form a single second focal point
  • the second optical unit comprises a second reflector which is parabolically shaped and defines a light emitting opening for emitting light into a predetermined area and/or with a predetermined light intensity distribution.
  • the plurality of the second focal points of the first optical unit form a second curvilinear focal line
  • the second optical unit comprises a second reflector which is parabolically shaped and defines a light emitting opening for emitting light into a predetermined area and/or with a predetermined light intensity distribution.
  • the plurality of the second focal points of the first optical unit coincide so as to form a single second focal point
  • the second optical unit comprises a convex spheric reflector for reflecting light received from the first optical unit in a circumferential area around the second optical unit.
  • the plurality of the second focal points of the first optical unit form a second curvilinear focal line, wherein the second optical unit comprises an optical lens.
  • the optical lens is a collimating lens.
  • the second optical unit comprises a transparent cover through which light exits from the second optical unit.
  • the curvilinear line along which the first LEDs are arranged, the second curvilinear focal line of the first optical unit and the further curvilinear focal line of the second optical unit are all substantially circular.
  • the set-up according to the present invention allows for the addition of a fourth group of fourth LEDs not included within the first reflector of the first optical unit.
  • the fourth group of fourth LEDs can be located within the second optical unit or outside both optical units.
  • the fourth LEDs contribute to a desired light intensity contribution (if necessary).
  • the fourth LEDs should be located such that they do not block light exiting the second optical unit but add to that light.
  • the fourth group of fourth LEDs can be used in combination with additional optical elements like TIR-based optical elements (Total Internal Reflection optical elements).
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-section showing a light for an aircraft and for explaining part of the basic concept of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-section through another type of aircraft light for explaining part of the basic concept of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a further aircraft light type for further explaining part of the basic concept of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 shows an aircraft light according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 a diagram showing the light distribution in the projection plane resulting from the first LEDs 420 of the light according to FIG. 4 ,
  • FIG. 6 a diagram showing the intensity of light in x direction according to FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 7 a diagram showing the intensity of light in y direction according to FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 8 a diagram showing the light distribution in the projection plane resulting from both the first and second LEDs 420 , 464 of the light according to FIG. 4 ,
  • FIG. 9 a diagram showing the intensity of light in x direction according to FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 10 a diagram showing the intensity of light in y direction according to FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 1 of an aircraft light 10 is shown which is designed as a take-off light and in which the present invention can be used.
  • the light 10 comprises a housing 12 defining a hollow space provided with a first and a second optical system 14 , 16 .
  • the first optical system 14 is of the reflection type and comprises a holder 18 designed e.g. as a circular disk or ring with a plurality of first LEDs 20 arranged at the circumference of the disk or ring 18 .
  • the first LEDs 20 can be of the same type and the same color or can be different in type and color.
  • the holder 18 is arranged within a first reflector 22 defined by two types of reflective partial surfaces formed at the inner surface of the hollow housing 12 .
  • a first reflective surface of the first reflector 22 is elliptically shaped.
  • This elliptical reflective partial surface 24 is spanned by a part of the circumference of an ellipse 26 which is inclined.
  • Said ellipse 26 comprises an axis 28 or chord on which a first focal point 30 and a second focal point 32 are situated.
  • the ellipse 26 is inclined by the angle ⁇ . In case that, in this orientation the ellipse 26 rotates about the optical axis 31 , the elliptic reflective partial surface 24 is spanned.
  • the first focal points 30 are located within the first LEDs 20 and are arranged along a curvilinear line, in particular a circular line.
  • the second focal points 32 coincide to form a single second focal point.
  • the second type of reflective surface of the first reflector 22 is spherically concavely shaped. This second reflective surface 34 extends beyond the intersection 35 of the major axis 28 with the elliptic reflective partial surface 24 and, in FIG. 1 , is referenced by numeral 34 .
  • the second reflective surface 34 is formed as part of a circle with the first LEDs 20 being the center of these circles.
  • the circular shaped trough-like spheric reflective surface 34 extends around the optical axis 31 as a circular ring.
  • Light emitted from the first LEDs 20 towards the spheric reflective surface 34 is reflected back to the respective first LED 20 and from there is directed towards the elliptic reflective partial surface 24 and from there towards the second focal point(s) 32 (see light ray 36 in FIG. 1 ).
  • Light rays 38 emitted by the first LEDs 20 directly towards the elliptic reflective partial surface 24 are reflected towards the second focal point(s) 32 .
  • the first optical unit 16 defines a light exiting opening 40 through which there will exit all the light emitted by the first LEDs 20 either directly or indirectly via reflections at the reflective surfaces of the first reflector 22 .
  • the opening 40 is limited by the edge 42 which also forms the boundary of the elliptic reflective partial surface 24 .
  • the second optical unit 16 is also of the reflective type and comprises a second reflector 44 which in this embodiment is parabolic.
  • the parabolic second reflector 44 has as its focal point 46 the second focal points 32 of the first optical unit 14 . Accordingly, the light rays 36 and 38 shown in FIG. 1 are combined into light exiting the housing 12 in a direction parallel to the optical axis.
  • the light emitting opening 48 of the housing 12 is covered by a transparent cover 50 and can further comprise a second group of light sources 52 having LEDs 54 and, as a specific feature of this embodiment, TIR-optical elements 56 associated to the individual LEDs 54 .
  • the second LEDs 54 provide additional light to the light emitted through the opening 48 of the housing 12 and the second LEDs provide an additional feature to the light 10 not necessary according to the present invention as far as the design of the housing 12 is related.
  • FIG. 2 another type of aircraft light is shown in cross-section in which the present invention can be used.
  • This type of aircraft light is directed to a head light 110 , in particular a take-off lamp for an aircraft.
  • the light 110 comprises a housing 112 defining a hollow space provided with a first and a second optical system 114 , 116 .
  • the first optical system 114 is of the reflection type and comprises a holder 118 designed e.g. as a circular disk with a plurality of first LEDs 120 arranged at the circumference of the disk 118 .
  • the first LEDs 120 can be of the same type and the same color or can be different in type and color.
  • the holder 118 is arranged within a first reflector 122 defined by two types of reflective partial surfaces formed at the inner surface of the hollow housing 112 .
  • a first reflective surface of the first reflector 122 is elliptically shaped.
  • This elliptical reflective partial surface 124 is spanned by a part of the circumference of an ellipse 126 which is inclined.
  • Said ellipse 126 comprises an axis 128 or chord on which a first focal point 130 and a second focal point 132 are situated.
  • the ellipse 126 is inclined by the angle ⁇ being e.g. greater than angle ⁇ according to FIG. 1 and wherein the axis 128 of the inclined ellipse 126 intersects the optical axis 131 at a location between the two focal points of the ellipse.
  • the elliptic reflective partial surface 124 is spanned.
  • the first focal points 130 are located within the first LEDs 120 and are arranged along a curvilinear line, in particular a circular line.
  • the second focal points 132 also form a circular line.
  • the second type of reflective surface of the first reflector 122 is spherically concavely shaped. This second reflective surface 134 extends beyond the intersection 135 of the major axis 128 with the elliptic reflective partial surface 124 and, in FIG. 2 , is referenced by numeral 134 .
  • the second reflective surface 134 is formed as part of a circle with the first LEDs 120 being the center of these circles.
  • the circular shaped trough-like spheric reflective surface 134 extends around the optical axis 131 as a circular ring.
  • Light emitted from the first LEDs 120 towards the spheric reflective surface 134 is reflected back to the respective first LED 120 and from there is directed towards the elliptic reflective partial surface 124 and from there towards the second focal point(s) 132 (see light ray 136 in FIG. 2 ).
  • Light rays 138 emitted by the first LEDs 120 directly towards the elliptic reflective partial surface 124 are reflected towards the second focal point(s) 132 .
  • the first optical unit 116 defines a light exiting opening 140 through which there will exit all the light emitted by the first LEDs 120 either directly or indirectly via reflections at the reflective surfaces of the first reflector 122 .
  • the opening 140 is limited by the edge 142 which also forms the boundary of the elliptic reflective partial surface 124 .
  • the second optical unit 116 is also of the reflective type and comprises a second reflector 144 which in this embodiment is parabolic.
  • the parabolic second reflector 144 has as its focal point arrangement 146 the circular line of the second focal points 132 of the first optical unit 114 . Accordingly, the light rays 136 and 138 shown in FIG. 2 are combined into light exiting the housing 112 in a direction parallel to the optical axis.
  • the light emitting opening 148 of the housing 112 is covered by a transparent cover 150 and can further comprise a second group of light sources 152 having LEDs 154 and, as a specific feature of this embodiment, TIR-optical elements 156 associated to the individual LEDs 154 .
  • the second LEDs 154 provide additional light to the light emitted through the opening 148 of the housing 112 and the second LEDs provide an additional feature to the light 110 not necessary according to the present invention as far as the design of the housing 112 is related.
  • FIG. 3 a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. It comprises a first optical unit 314 of the reflective type and a second optical unit 316 of the refractive type.
  • the first optical system 314 is of the reflection type and comprises a holder 318 designed e.g. as a circular disk with a plurality of first LEDs 320 arranged at the circumference of the disk 318 .
  • the LEDs first 320 can be of the same type and the same color or can be different in type and color.
  • the holder 318 is arranged within a first reflector 322 defined by two types of reflective partial surfaces formed at the inner surface of the hollow housing 312 .
  • a first reflective surface of the first reflector 322 is elliptically shaped.
  • This elliptical reflective partial surface 324 is spanned by a part of the circumference of an ellipse 326 which is inclined.
  • Said ellipse 326 comprises an axis 328 or chord on which a first focal point 330 and a second focal point 332 are situated.
  • the ellipse 326 is inclined by the angle ⁇ . In case that, in this orientation the ellipse 326 rotates about the optical axis 331 , the elliptic reflective partial surface 324 is spanned.
  • the first focal points 330 are located within the first LEDs 320 and are arranged along a curvilinear line, in particular a circular line. In this embodiment the second focal points 332 coincide to form a single second focal point.
  • the second type of reflective surface of the first reflector 322 is spherically concavely shaped.
  • This second reflective surface 334 extends beyond the intersection 335 of the major axis 328 with the elliptic reflective partial surface 324 and, in FIG. 3 , is referenced by numeral 334 .
  • the second reflective surface 334 is formed as part of a circle with the first LEDs 320 being the center of these circles.
  • the circular shaped trough-like spheric reflective surface first 334 extends around the optical axis 331 as a circular ring.
  • Light emitted from the first LEDs 320 towards the spheric reflective surface 334 is reflected back to the respective first LED 320 and from there is directed towards the elliptic reflective partial surface 324 and from there towards the second focal point(s) 332 (see light ray 336 in FIG. 3 ).
  • Light rays 338 emitted by the first LEDs 320 directly towards the elliptic reflective partial surface 324 are reflected towards the second focal point(s) 332 .
  • the first optical unit 316 defines a light exiting opening 340 through which there will exit all the light emitted by the first LEDs 320 either directly or indirectly via reflections at the reflective surfaces of the first reflector 322 .
  • the opening 340 is limited by the edge 342 which also forms the boundary of the elliptic reflective partial surface 324 .
  • the second optical unit 316 in the light 300 of FIG. 3 comprises a collimating lens 344 having its focal point 346 coinciding with the second focal point(s) 332 of the first reflector 322 .
  • the collimating lens 344 refracts the light of the first LEDs 320 so as to direct this light in parallel to the optical axis 330 .
  • additional light sources 352 which can be designed as LEDs 354 in combination with TIR optical elements 356 .
  • the housing 312 can be closed by a transparent cover 350 as shown in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 4 shows an embodiment according to the invention.
  • a combined aircraft take-off and taxi light is shown.
  • the light emitted by the combined aircraft light used as a take-off light is generated according to any one of the preceding embodiments wherein provision of the additional light sources 52 , 152 , 352 disclosed in these embodiments can be omitted in the combined aircraft light.
  • additional LEDs are provided as explained hereinbelow.
  • the first optical system 414 of the combined take-off and taxi light 400 is of the reflection type and comprises a holder 418 designed e.g. as a circular disk or ring with a plurality of first LEDs 420 arranged at the circumference of the disk or ring 418 .
  • the first LEDs 420 can be of the same type and the same color or can be different in type and color.
  • the holder 418 is arranged within a reflector 422 .
  • the first reflector 422 is elliptically shaped. This elliptical reflective partial surface 424 is spanned by a part of the circumference of an ellipse which is inclined.
  • Said ellipse comprises an axis or chord on which a first focal point 430 and a second focal point 432 are situated. Relative to the optical axis 431 of aircraft light 410 , the ellipse is inclined by the angle ⁇ . In case that, in this orientation the ellipse rotates about the optical axis 431 , the elliptic reflective partial surface 424 is spanned.
  • the first focal points 430 are located within the first LEDs 420 and are arranged along a curvilinear line, in particular a circular line. In this embodiment the second focal points 432 coincide to form a single second focal point.
  • the first optical unit 416 defines a light exiting opening 440 through which there will exit all the light emitted by the first LEDs 420 either directly or indirectly via reflections at the reflective surfaces of the first reflector 422 .
  • the second optical unit 416 comprises a collimating lens 444 .
  • the area within a projection plane 460 and illuminated by the first LEDs 420 is referred to by reference numeral 462 in FIG. 4 .
  • the first optical unit 414 further comprises a second group of second LEDs 464 which are displaced with respect to the first LEDs 420 .
  • Two sub holders 466 for carrying the second LEDs 464 are mounted to the disk or ring 418 in diametrically opposite sections.
  • Each of the sub holders 466 defines the section within which the second LEDs 464 are arranged and extends along a limited distance in the circumferential direction and the second LEDs 464 are located at both sides of the first LEDs 420 when viewed in the direction of the extension of the optical axis 431 .
  • Light emitted from the second LEDs 464 is collimated in an area 468 along the optical axis 431 which is located side-by-side with the second focal point 462 of the first optical unit 412 but outside of the area of the second focal point 462 .
  • an elliptic area 470 around the area 462 is illuminated by the light of the second LEDs 464 as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the illuminated areas 462 and 470 can be used in combination to realize e.g. a taxi light functionality of an aircraft.
  • the light and light intensity distributions in the projection plane 460 and along the x and y directions are shown in FIGS. 5 to 10 .
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 relate to the light distribution resulting from the first LEDs 420 only
  • FIGS. 8 to 10 relate to the light distributions resulting from both the first and second LEDs 420 , 464 , wherein the first LEDs 420 may be dimmed.
  • third LEDs can be added to the disk or ring 418 of the first optical unit 414 (not shown in FIG. 4 ).
  • the third LEDs are arranged at diametrically opposite sections of the disk or ring 418 which sections are offset by 90 degree with respect to the locations of the second LED sections represented by the sub holders 466 .
  • the third LEDs are arranged at their respective sub holders 466 .
  • the second LEDs are arranged at their sub holders 466 .
  • the third LEDs would generate a further elliptic illuminated area around the area 462 in the projection plane 460 , with this further elliptic illuminated area being about 90 degree rotated with respect to the elliptic illuminated area 470 . Therefore, by means of the third LEDs a further light functionality can be realized in the aircraft light according to this embodiment.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
US13/629,322 2011-09-28 2012-09-27 Light for an aircraft Expired - Fee Related US9260201B2 (en)

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EP2574837B1 (fr) 2015-04-29
US20130077332A1 (en) 2013-03-28
EP2574837A3 (fr) 2013-10-16

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